Vicksburg Mayor Accused Of Sexual Harassment

Kenya Burks Had Served As Winfield's Chief Of Staff

The former chief of staff for Vicksburg Mayor Paul Winfield has filed a lawsuit against the city claiming sexual harassment.

Kenya Burks contends in the lawsuit that she had a consensual relationship with Winfield, but he wouldn't take no for an answer and continued to make unwanted sexual advances after she broke it off.

She said Winfield was physically abusive and continued sexual advances after their alleged relationship ended.

Burks also claims Winfield retaliated after she wouldn't continue the relationship by eliminating her position.

Vickburg Mayor Calls Lawsuit Claims 'Sleazy Lies'

Burks worked for Winfield from July 2009 until April of last year. She has since moved to Texas.

Winfield said he did not vote on Burks' termination. He said his lawyer was looking into whether she committed fraud while working for the city.

"I am disgusted. It's sleazy lies that have been perpetuated against me. It's an attack on my character. It's defamation against me and my administration and against my family. I'm a happily married man with a child," Winfield said. "This is all designed to bring destruction. It's one of the unfortunate things that we have to deal with sometimes in government."

Burk's attorney, Nick Norris, said there was evidence to the contrary.

"Video records from the apartment that she lived in will show the mayor arriving at her place of residence on numerous occasions, on numerous nights, that had nothing to do with business," Norris said.

Burk's lawyers also said they have text messages that they will introduce in court that should back up her case.

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